Vasopressin

Section 8 - MEDICATION GUIDELINES

HORMONES / VITAMINS

Vasopressin / pituitary hormone

DESCRIPTION

• Pituitary hormone that can cause vasoconstriction (pressor effect) of the splanchnic and portal vessels (and to a lesser extent of peripheral, cerebral, pulmonary, and coronary vessels). Also increases the smooth muscular activity of the bladder, GI tract, and uterus.

INDICATIONS

• May be used as an alternative pressor to EPINEPHRINE in the treatment of adult shock refractory VF. May be useful for hemodynamic support in vasodilatory shock.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Not recommended for responsive patients with coronary artery disease

PRECAUTIONS

• Potent peripheral vasoconstrictor. Increased peripheral vascular resistance may provoke cardiac ischemia and angina.

DOSAGE

• 40 U IV or IO (once) in Ventricular Fibrillation / Pulseless Ventricular Tachycardia